Let’s jump right in with a brief introduction from our Gourmet Cheese Coordinator, Wade Johnson:

“Widely known in the cheese world as “the king of cheese” Parmigiano Reggiano is the one and only true parmesan. To hold the prestigious name, Parmigiano Reggiano must adhere to P.D.O. (Protected Designation of Origin) regulations, which is a form of quality control to ensure the authenticity of traditional cheeses in Europe. Our Parmigiano is carefully selected to meet our high standards of quality at Oliver’s Market with several key factors considered, including moisture, flavor, balance, and finish. We look for wheels that aren’t too dry, fissured or crumbly. Each bite should have a subtle fruitiness, a hint of salt, a touch of acid, and a burst of umami on the finish.” – Wade Johnson, Gourmet Cheese Coordinator

History and Production

Parmigiano Reggiano has been produced for over 900 years, with its roots tracing back to the Middle Ages in Italy. Monks in the Emilia-Romagna region started making this cheese as a way to preserve milk. As mentioned above, it has a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning it can only be produced in certain areas of Italy: Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Bologna and Mantua. It’s a significant product for the local economy in the Emilia-Romagna region, supporting thousands of dairy farmers and cheesemakers. These production regions host various festivals and events celebrating Parmigiano Reggiano, where you can experience different ages and types.

The production process has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The cheese is made from raw cow’s milk, and the cows are fed primarily on local grass, which contributes to the cheese’s unique flavor. Parmigiano Reggiano is aged for a minimum of 12 months, but it can be aged for up to 36 months or more. The aging process intensifies its flavor and texture.

It is produced in 80 pound ‘wheels’, which are cracked open with a special set of knives. This method preserves the internal crystalline structure.

Parmigiano Reggiano is deeply embedded in Italian culture and cuisine. It has been referenced in literature and art, including Dante’s “Divine Comedy.”

Flavor Profile & Tasting Notes

Parmigiano Reggiano has a rich, savory, umami flavor with hints of nuttiness, sweetness, and a slightly fruity tang. The flavor becomes more intense and complex with age. The cheese has a granular, crystalline texture that becomes crumblier as it ages. It’s also known for its melt-in-the-mouth quality. You may notice aromas of butter, dried fruits, and a slight earthiness.

When tasting Parmigiano Reggiano, let it melt slowly on your tongue to fully appreciate its complexity. You might detect hints of pineapple or other tropical fruits, especially in older varieties.

 Storage Tips

• Parmigiano Reggiano should be wrapped in wax paper or parchment paper, followed by aluminum foil or a resealable plastic bag to prevent it from drying out. Store it in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer or a cool area.
• If stored properly, it can last several weeks. However, it will continue to age and develop more intense flavors.
• While not ideal, Parmigiano Reggiano can be frozen. If you freeze it, use it for cooking rather than eating it on its own, as freezing can alter its texture.

 How to Enjoy Parmigiano Reggiano

This delicious cheese is naturally lactose-free and rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Along with grating it over pastas, soups, and salads, there are many other ways to enjoy it:

• Cheese Boards: Serve Parmigiano Reggiano on a cheese board with honey, balsamic vinegar, figs, or nuts. Its complex flavors pair well with a variety of accompaniments.
• Snacks: Enjoy chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano on its own as a snack. Pair it with a glass of wine, such as Chianti or a sparkling white.
• Soups and Stews: Save your Parmigiano Reggiano rinds to add to stock, soups, stews, or risottos to infuse a deep, umami flavor. Remove the rind before serving.
• Baking: Incorporate it into savory baked goods like biscuits, breadsticks, or even muffins.
• Pasta Fillings: Mix grated Parmigiano Reggiano into fillings for ravioli or tortellini.
• Desserts: Experiment with Parmigiano Reggiano in desserts, such as pairing it with pears and walnuts in a tart or using it in a custard with a sweet balsamic reduction.
• Simple Recipes: Check out the recipes below for other inspiration!

Great Parmigiano Reggiano Pairings

• Pairs well with full-bodied red wines like Barolo or Chianti, sparkling wines, and even sweet wines like Vin Santo.
• Consider pairing with balsamic vinegar, honey, prosciutto, or figs to enhance its complex flavors.

Recipes

These recipes are simple, quick, and designed to showcase the unique flavor of Parmigiano Reggiano in creative ways.

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CRISPS

Ingredients:
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place small mounds of grated Parmigiano Reggiano on the parchment paper, about 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
Let them cool on the sheet for a minute, then transfer to a cooling rack. They will crisp up as they cool.
Enjoy as a snack or garnish for soups and salads.

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO-STUFFED DATES

Ingredients:
12 Medjool dates
3 oz Parmigiano Reggiano, cut into small pieces
12 whole almonds (optional)

Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit.
Stuff each date with a small piece of Parmigiano Reggiano. If you like, you can also add an almond.
Close the dates and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dates are warm.
Serve as an appetizer or a sweet-savory snack.

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO & HONEY CROSTINI

Ingredients:
Baguette, sliced into thin rounds
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
Honey
Fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions:
Preheat your broiler.
Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
Sprinkle each slice with a generous amount of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.
Drizzle each crostini with honey and top with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if using.
Serve warm as an appetizer.

BALSAMIC-GLAZED PARMIGIANO REGGIANO BITES

Ingredients:
Parmigiano Reggiano, cut into 1-inch cubes
Aged balsamic vinegar

Instructions:
Place the Parmigiano Reggiano cubes on a serving plate.
Drizzle each cube with a small amount of aged balsamic vinegar.
Serve as a quick and elegant appetizer.

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO BUTTER

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and grated Parmigiano Reggiano until well combined.
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Spread on warm bread, melt over steamed vegetables, or use to finish grilled meats.

More Delicious Ideas!

We also have recipes for Eggplant and Zucchini Parmigiano, Fresh Plum Salad with Black Pepper and Parmesan, Parmesan Asparagus Fries, Parmesan Broth, Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops, and Traditional Chicken Parmesan on our Recipes page.

Perfect Pairings

The King of Cheese is on an amazing sale this week as we celebrate all of the benefits of buying and enjoying it fresh. We also asked our buyers to round up all of the perfect accompaniments at featured pricing, so take a look at what they found!

Note: All prices in effect through 9/10/24 at all four Sonoma County Oliver’s Market locations.

• House Grated Parmigiano Reggiano, $15.99/lb.Each container is hand-packed with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano. A convenient ready-to-go option with no fillers or preservatives, just one ingredient: The King of Cheese. A delicious convenient option for the Parm lover on the go.
• Creminelli Artisan Salami, Selected Varieties, 5.5 oz. Package, $9.99/ea.
• Stemple Creek Ground Beef, $8.99/lb.
• Oliver’s Own Balsamic Vinegar, 250ml Bottle, $8.99
• Oliver’s Own Everyday Arbequina EVOO, 750ml Bottle, $15.99
• Costeaux Ciabatta, 12 oz. Loaf, $4.99 LOCAL
• Molinari Imported Prosciutto Di Parma, $23.99/lb.
• Wildvine Pickled Vegetables, 20 oz. Jar, $3.99
• Montebello Organic Pasta, Selected Varieties, 16 oz. Package, $2.79
• Boudin Crackers, 5 oz. Box, $2.49
• Local Organic Italian Eggplant, Traviata and Annina Varieties, Grown by Longer Table Farm in Santa Rosa, CA via F.E.E.D. Cooperative, $2.99/lb. LOCAL
• Star Crimson Red Pears, Grown by Duckwall in Oregon, $1.99/lb.
• Sapphire Moon Drops Black Seedless Grapes, Grown by Grapery in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, $2.99/lb.
• Local Heirloom Tomatoes, Grown by Castaneda Farm in Santa Rosa, CA, $2.99/lb.
• Domaine Vettrice 2022 Corse Vermentino, 750nl Bottle, $11.99+CRV
• Lamole di Lamole 2021 Chianti Classico, 750ml Bottle, $16.99+CRV
• Cuver Pepperwood Saison Ale, 6 pack/12 oz. Bottles, $11.99+CRV

We hope you will join us as we celebrate Parmigiano Reggiano in all of its glory – and save — this week at Oliver’s. Cin-cin!